Donald “DJ” Hentges, 85, of Dubuque, died Friday, April 10, 2026, at Hawkeye Care Center in Asbury.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:45 am on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

The Mass of Christian Burial for DJ will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Holy Spirit Parish – Holy Ghost Catholic Church with Father Raymond Burkle as the Celebrant. Burial will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque. Full military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post #6.

DJ was born August 2, 1940, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Paul and Lorraine (Breitbach) Hentges. On September 14, 1963, he married Diane Smith in Peosta, IA. She preceded him in death on April 21, 2013.

DJ graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1975. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran, serving from 1957 until 1961 on the USS Gearing (DD 710).

He was an electrician at John Deere Dubuque Works where he worked for 32 years prior to his retirement.

DJ was a longtime member of the USS Gearing Association and was a proud and active member of American Legion Post 6 in Dubuque where he would listen to his “good ol’ music.” There, he volunteered in many roles and faithfully served on the honor guard for 17 years. He was also a devoted member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church, where he attended daily Mass and generously offered his time wherever it was needed. He found peace in his morning walks and great joy in spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his nieces and nephews, whom he loved as his own.

Survivors include his four children, Sheila (Brad) Pettit of Fort Collins, CO, John (Carla) Hentges of Dubuque, Jeffrey (Tracey) Hentges of Dubuque, and Douglas (Stephanie) Hentges of Loves Park, IL; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Alex (Amanda), Audrey (Brad), Sarah, Tyler, and Tuesday; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Dennis (Judy) Hentges of FL; four siblings-in-law, Leonard “Lonnie” Smith, Jr., Mary Helen “Susie” (Richard) Goss, Christopher (Mary Beth) Smith, and Laura Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Danny and Bob (Dorothy “Dot”) Hentges, three sisters, Patricia Koster, Janice (Stewart) DeMoss, and Sandy Ploeger, and three siblings-in-law, Gary (Carol) Smith, David Smith, and Karen Smith.

A memorial has been established.

DJ’s family would like to thank the staff at Hawkeye Care Center, Grand Meadows, and Hospice of Dubuque for their love and care. A special thanks to family and friends for their ongoing support. “Here Here.”

Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home and Crematory is in care of the arrangements.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting DJ’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.